If you have been following the FloridaGardener blawg you know that I tried an experiment growing tomatoes in bags of dirt this year instead of hoeing rows. I have been harvesting the fruit of my limited labor and I have one word for them – “MMMMMMMMMMMM!”

The tomato I am writing about specifically is Ananas Noir, also known as Black Pineapple, a beefsteak-type fruit. The description from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. where I bought the seeds from says, “This unusual variety was developed by Pascal Moreau, a horticulturist from Belgium (if you know who this gentleman is, please send me some information as I have not been able to find any information regarding his work on the internet). The multi-colored, smooth fruit (green, yellow and purple mix) weigh about 1-1/2 lbs. The flesh is bright green with deep red streaks. Everyone loves their superb flavor that is outstanding, being both sweet and smoky with a hint of citrus.”

My favorite way to eat this tomato is freshly sliced with mozzarella cheese, moistened with virgin olive oil, sprinkled with “Mediterranean herbed sea salt” and fresh shredded lemon basil leaves liberally sprinkled on top. This is an awesome flavor mixture that absolutely must be tasted to appreciate!

From seed the plant is 85 days, sprawling and indeterminate. The fruit is actually quite ugly as it tends to crack and grow in an irregular oblong shape. The fruit has rough areas from where the tomato blossom was. Despite the green color the fruit is ripe when it begins to feel soft on the vine and will come off of the stem with little effort when it is ready to harvest. The tomato flesh is somewhat juicy and has lime green colored jelly surrounding the small seeds. For growing in the 33411 area I find the yield to be appreciable for the early Florida summer. You may have enough fruit to share with others (if you are so inclined) who may appreciate this unusual tomato.

The Ananas Noir tomato plant is sprawling, dark green and fairly stout. Pests do not seem to be an issue; cut worms and horn worms will attack it and can be caught and destroyed in time to prevent major damage. Some minor leaf tunneling may also be expected.